Stormont reception recognises Northern Ireland’s funeral directors

The Northern Ireland All Party Assembly Group on Funerals and Bereavement at Stormont in conjunction with the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) is to hold a reception for funeral directors in Northern Ireland.

In another first for the NAFD, the event at Stormont on June 12 will recognise the important contribution made by funeral firms to Northern Ireland’s community.

“The Funerals and Bereavement Group does an excellent job at examining issues of concern to people in Northern Ireland. We believe this reception will help increase understanding about the work of the Group, the role of the funeral director, and the specific challenges facing the industry in Northern Ireland,” says the NAFD’s chief executive officer Alan Slater.

For funeral directors from all over Northern Ireland, the reception provides a unique opportunity to visit Stormont, get a flavour of its history, an insight into the legislative process, and to discuss key issues with politicians who have a special interest in funeral and bereavement matters.

The Northern Ireland All Party Assembly Group on Funerals and Bereavement aims to address the public’s concerns regarding death and bereavement and examine issues that impact on the funeral industry. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who are members of the Group are keen to meet representatives of Northern Ireland’s funeral service – who are, after all, their constituents – to find out first hand how legislation relating to devolved issues such as health, the environment and transport affects their businesses and the bereaved families they serve.

The reception is kindly hosted by David McClarty MLA, Chairman of the Funerals and Bereavement Group, and Mervyn Storey MLA the Group’s Secretary. It is anticipated that around 100 people from the funeral profession and their partners will attend.

The Northern Ireland Area Federation of the National Association of Funeral Directors is encouraging members to take full advantage of this event, which will incorporate addresses from national president-elect Steve Pearce and Dominic Maguire, the NAFD’s national public relations officer, along with a short tour of Stormont plus drinks and canapés.